The Metaphysics of Existence and Nonexistence - by Matthew Davidson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Are there nonexistent objects? Can we make sense of objects having properties without thinking that there are nonexistent objects? Is existence a predicate? Can we make sense of necessarily existing objects depending on God? Tackling these central questions, Matthew Davidson explores the metaphysics of existence and nonexistence.

He presents an extended argument for independence actualism, a previously undefended view that objects can have properties in worlds and at times at which they do not exist. Among other unique points of discussion, Davidson considers the nature of actualism, arguments for and against serious actualism, the semantics of "exists" as a predicate, the merits of different sorts of Meinongian theories, and different views on which God might ground the existence of necessarily existing abstracta. The book offers a Lewisian-style argument for adopting independence actualism in that the view may be used to solve many problems in metaphysics, philosophy of language and philosophy of religion.

Review Quotes

"Matthew Davidson has written an accessible, clear, engaging introduction to problems concerning existence and necessity, defending a distinctive view, what he labels Independence Actualism, and contrasts the view with the Meinongian view that reality includes entities that do not exist. This monograph is an excellent opinionated tour through the terrain of issues on existence and necessity." --Michael Nelson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of California at Riverside, USA

Matthew Davidson has written an accessible, clear, engaging introduction to problems concerning existence and necessity, defending a distinctive view, what he labels Independence Actualism, and contrasts the view with the Meinongian view that reality includes entities that do not exist. This monograph is an excellent opinionated tour through the terrain of issues on existence and necessity.
Michael Nelson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of California at Riverside, USA

About the Author

Matthew Davidson is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at California State University, San Bernardino, USA.